Don’t wait until the weekend for fun! The What’s Up Weekly Planner post will help you find all the entertainment you need with your kids Monday through Friday!
Monday, April 13, 2015
Baby Bloomers - 9am to Noon. Baby Bloomers is an opportunity for children age 0-3 and their families to experience the Thinkery together in an environment focused on early learners. Guided activities like Storytime, Sing-alongs, and Little Explorers Lab time are designed to engage our youngest visitors in fun learning and investigation. Members $2.50 each / Non-Members $4.50 each. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Signing Storytime with The Signing Connection (Round Rock)- 10:00am – 10:30am. Join the Baby Signing Time revolution! This class is geared for children 0-5 years and their parents. Amy from the Signing Connection will lead this storytime that incorporates classic children’s books to help you learn basic American Sign Language signs. FREE! Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 North IH35, Ste 375, Round Rock.
Storytime with Dr. Candra – 11:00 a.m. Dr. Candra will captivate your children with stories, songs, dances, and games. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste D-480, Austin.
Paws and Read (Pflugerville)- 6-7 p.m. Independent readers share a good book with a canine member of the Austin Dog Alliance. Grades K – 2. FREE! No registration required. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street, Pflugerville.
Literature Live! Presents: Chicken Big, A Puppet Show – 6 p.m. Bawk! It’s an elephant! It’s an umbrella! No, it’s a … chicken?! Join Literature LIVE! to see how the chickens in this coop make room for a giant new friend in a less-than-traditional puppet show production of Austin author Keith Graves’ wonderful book Chicken Big. Recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE! APL – University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Lane.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Explore Music (Round Rock)- 10:15 a.m. Designed to provide children with unique musical experiences, the 30-minute EXPLORE MUSIC class will incorporate group play and interaction, pre-K skills (sharing, following simple directions, attending-to-task, etc.) and dancing/movement to work on gross/fine motor skills. While music is highly motivating, it can also have a calming and relaxing effect. Bring your little ones in Tuesday morning for activities that are designed to be success-oriented and make the children feel better about themselves!! Cost: $5/child, payable directly to the instructor, Rebecca Faulkner. Baby Earth, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd., Ste D-100, Round Rock.
Special Storytime with Gertrude McFuzz- 10:30 a.m. Straight from the silly pages of Dr. Seuss, the fabulously fluffy and feathery Gertrude McFuzz will be here today performing the classic story for you all! An interactive production that will have kids cheering and laughing all morning. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
Sensory Stroytime- 11 a.m. Sensory Storytime features interactive books, singing, and music and will incorporate some sensory activities, like movement and bubbles. It is geared toward children with special needs, their families and friends. Children of all abilities and ages are welcome! Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL- Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina Street.
Music with Mr. Will- 11:30 a.m. His sing-along style incorporates equal parts of teaching and performing for energetic young audiences. Infectious melodies combined with upbeat lyrics make him beloved among pre-schoolers and early-elementary students, who clap, march, jump and dance along to their favorite songs. Plus, the entire family can enjoy the music. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste D-480, Austin.
Baby Day at The Alamo Drafthouse- Movies before 2 p.m. The lights are up a bit, the sound is down a bit so moms and dads can head to the movies without the babies even knowing that they were at the movies. Infants are welcome to these shows, and of course, are allowed in for free. Take some time for yourself, pack up the kids, and head out to the Alamo Drafthouse for some much needed entertainment! Regular admission applies. Please note: Baby day is only on Tuesdays at the Alamo Village, Alamo South Lamar, Alamo Lakeline and Alamo Slaughter.
Pflugerville Farmer’s Market- 3-7 p.m. The mission of the Pflugerville Pfarmers Market is to bring fresh, locally grown and prepared foods to the Pflugerville community. Vendors sell a variety of produce including tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, okra, garlic, melons, peaches and grapes; artisan baked goods; honey; flowers; eggs; free-range meats; jarred salsas, pickles and jams; fruits and plants. Craft items are also available for purchase, and live music is on site on selected dates. Green Red Barn, 901 Old Austin Hutto Road, Pflugerville.
Lego Lab- 3:30 p.m. With Legos, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with Legos provided by the Library!Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL- Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth Street.
Child’s Pose with Miss Marie (RSVP)- 4:30 p.m. Kids can try a fun 30-minute introduction to yoga. KIND Bar will be providing FREE healthy snacks. For kids ages 3+. Please RSVP to: atxrsvp@toms.com. Tom’s, 1401 S. Congress Avenue.
Discovery! Writing Workshop: Be a Dreamer- 4:30 p.m.The Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, technology, and more. Especially designed for our older kids (third graders and up), come back each week and learn something new! What does it mean to be a dreamer? Today at Laura’s Library, we’ll look at some dreamers whose lives have shaped the world we live in. Future inventors and activists, poets and puppeteers, alike – come ready to play a game, have some fun, and write about your own dreams! FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Caves Road.
Pajama Storytime- 6:30 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family storytime in the evening featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Recommended for children of all ages. FREE! Willie Mae Kirk Branch APL, 3101 Oak Springs Drive.
Family Movie Night: Dolphin Tale 2- 6:30 p.m. The team of people who saved Winter’s life reassemble in the wake of her surrogate mother’s passing in order to find her a companion so she can remain at the Clearwater Marine Hospital. FREE! APL- Twin Oak Branch, 1800 S. Fifth Street.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Sprouts Preschool Program – 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Bring your little ones to the Family Garden for our weekly Sprouts Preschool program that is geared towards ages 2-6. A Nature Play Guide will lead you through the Family Garden to explore all that it has to offer. Each program will include story time, hands on activity, nature walk and of course, nature play! New program theme each week. Regular admission rates apply. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin.
Toddler Storytime- 10:15 a.m. A storytime program designed for toddlers and their parents, featuring stories, songs, fingerplays, and games. Recommended for children aged 18 months to 3 years. Seating is limited at all programs. Please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL- Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Drive.
Tiny Tails to You Petting Zoo Storytime- 10:30 a.m. If you’re a fan of chinchillas, bunnies, ducklings, guinea pigs, chickens, AND stories then you’re in luck! Today our friends from Tiny Tails to You Petting Zoo will be reading stories and introducing some of the cutest, softest, most adorable little creatures in Austin! What a wonderful way to make new friends in Spring. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.
Music with Mr. Will – 11:30 a.m. Rock out with local children’s singer, “Mr. Will” Dupuy. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480.
Story Time with CJ the Explorer – 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @ The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Court.
Crafts and Face Painting with GlitteeRee (Round Rock)- 4-6 p.m. Crafts and Face Painting by GlitteRee are included in regular admission. Safari Champ, 1400 East Old Settlers Blvd., # 200, Round Rock.
Community Night at The Thinkery- 4-8 p.m. Enjoy special performances and activities presented by the City of Austin during Community Night on Wednesday, March 25 and April 1. Special programming begins at 4:30. Admission is by donation only. Entry is based on a first come, first served basis. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Avenue.
South Shore District Presents: Food and Fun- 6-9 p.m. Join us for the return of Food & Fun on the lawn! There will be several mouth-watering food trucks including Burro Cheese Kitchen, Coolhaus, Ironwood BBQ, Garbo’s Lobster Truck ATX, Chilantro BBQ and Golden Spike Rail Cart music from Dub Academy, a nonprofit school for the electronic arts. Beer will also be available for purchase from our neighbor The Buzz Mill. Fun for all ages! South Shore District, 1333 Shore District Drive.
Krispy Kreme Family Night – 6-8:00 p.m. Kids can decorate one FREE doughnut each, plus enjoy crafts, balloons, paper hats, coloring sheets and more. Krispy Kreme, 701 E Stassney Ln and 12586 Research Blvd, Austin.
Music on Main Street: El Tule (Round Rock)- 6-8 p.m. The City of Round Rock brings you Music on Main Street, a FREE music series, from March through May. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and the entire family. Visit the variety of dining options on Main Street or pack a picnic basket to enjoy the evening of fun and music! Food vendors will be on site. Prete Main Street Plaza stage, 221 E. Main Street, Round Rock.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Science Thursday- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discover the Science of the Story of Texas! On Science Thursdays, students can drop in and explore the Bullock Museum, see demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities with STEM experts from Central Texas Discover Engineering. Science Thursdays are FREE for all groups who have pre-registered for a Bullock Museum field trip. Every Science Thursday is different. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue.
Free Admission at The Blanton – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursdays are free to the public. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin.
Pflugerville Library Kid’s Club: Felt Zoo Animal Puppet- Children use their imagination to work on different art project every week. Materials available while supplies last. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 – 8. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger Street, Pflugerville.
Live Music at Central Market North – 6:30-9:00 p.m. Blackbird 3, instrumental jazz. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Sprouts Preschool Program – 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Bring your little ones to the Family Garden for our weekly Sprouts Preschool program that is geared towards ages 2-6. A Nature Play Guide will lead you through the Family Garden to explore all that it has to offer. Each program will include story time, hands on activity, nature walk and of course, nature play! New program theme each week. Regular admission rates apply. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin.
Storytime Art: Baseball- 10:45 a.m. Storytime Art, or StArt! is a great opportunity for your young child to experience art! Storytimes are geared to the 3 – 5 year old preschooler, but some projects could easily translate into a Mommy and Me project for those a little younger. And, of course, anyone older is welcome, as well! Take me out to the ball game! Join us for an awesome storytime all about baseball. We’ll make a baseball fingerprint craft and then read books all about our favorite game. Then, we’ll paint a pottery baseball bowl, perfect for holding your favorite game time snack! Cost is $12 per child, or buy a punch-card and get 6 classes for $60! Please call to register. 512-852-9900. The Art Garage, 11190 Circle Drive, Suite 202.
Story Time with Princess CJ – 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Moo Moo Musica for Babies- 2:30- 3:15 p.m. Kids enjoy music and movement for only $ 5 per child for the class. An additional $5 to stay and play before or after the class. Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood.
All Ages Storytime- 3 p.m. All ages storytime which uses both English and Spanish to present books, rhymes and songs. It differs from a traditional bilingual storytime in that some material is presented in English while other material is presented in Spanish, allowing for a natural transition between stories and activities and exposing children to both languages in an inviting environment. FREE! APL- Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Road.
Friday Family Films: Despicable Me (Bee Cave)- 4 p.m. Join us at Laura’s Library on the third Fridays of the month to watch family-friendly movies. Gru delights in all things wicked. Surrounded by an army of tireless little yellow minions, and armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen, a potential dad. Rated PG. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Road.
Texas Community Music Festival- Day one of the festival kicks off with Trilogy Clarinets of Marble Falls palying from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Not Past 11 from 6:45 – 7:45pm, and Rhythm Congress from 8-9 p.m. FREE! Central Market North Lamar, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd.
Shakespeare at the Market- Seating at 6:30 p.m., play begins at 7p.m. Present Company Theatre presents Shakespeare at the Market! That’s right! We are bringing back the much enjoyed event this April & May. Join us on the rooftop plaza every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: April 17th – May 10th. You will be able to enjoy beverages and food items for sale on the plaza, and can always bring up items from the store as well! FREE! Whole Foods North Lamar,
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – 6:30-9:00 p.m. Antonio Dionisio sings Brazilian. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd.
Head for the Hill’s: Free Music Fridays – 7-9:00 p.m. Hill’s Cafe is excited to announce the return of a live, local music series to the historic Hill’s stage. This week, Band of Heathens and Sour Bridges perform. A special backyard menu will be available for purchase. Family-friendly and FREE! Hill’s Cafe, 4700 S Congress Avenue.
Leave the Kids at Home
Unplugged at the Grove: Amy Cook- Thursday, April 16 at 8 p.m. Enjoy FREE, live music Thursday for 24 consecutive weeks at the iconic Shady Grove on Barton Springs Road for one of Austin’s longest running free concert series. There’s still no cover charge, $3.50 ZiegenBock Drafts, and the best music, food, and fun you’ll experience under the clear, warm skies of Austin, Texas! The live music begins at 8pm. And we always reserve VIP parking for the first ten Subarus, courtesy of Austin Subaru. Additional parking is available at the Bicycle Sports Shop right down the street at 517 S. Lamar Blvd.
Craft and Cocktail Night at Tom’s- Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m. Grab a Dripping Springs Vodka cocktail as Jennifer guides a craft making class. Spots are limited. RSVP to: atxrsvp@toms.com. Tom’s, 1401 S. Congress Avenue.
Look Ahead: Weekend Events
An Evening at the Ballet- Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. The Austin City Ballet and The Austin City Youth Ballet will present An Evening at the Ballet under the direction of Carol Feille D’Avila. An Evening at the Ballet features excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Firebird, and Coppelia. En Avant Dance Company debuts a special contemporary performance featuring vocal accompaniment by Voce Divina. Tickets start at $15. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Drive.
Camp Mabry Open House Muster Day- Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Muster Day traces it’s roots back to when Texas was still a republic. In the early days, on an annual basis, the troops were ‘mustered’ or called to report. Over the years, the mustering of the troops became obsolete. However, the Texas Military Forces Museum as part of the Texas Military Forces yearly Open House at Camp Mabry, holds a Muster Day where reenactors of all periods from the Texas Revolution through current times can display their historical uniforms, weapons and equipment and show them to the general public. In addition there is a large WWII battle reenactment each day at 2 pm. These battles feature 200 Allied and German soldiers recreating a WWII battle using original equipment, tanks, and weapons from the time period. This includes a fly over by AT-6 Texans as part of the battle. As well as the museum events, there will be displays by the Texas Military Forces, helicopter demos, First Reponders, children’s activites, Vietnam Wall Memorial, and much, much more. The Texas Military Forces Museum, 2200 W. 35th Street.
Bicycle Rodeo (Pflugerville) – Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Spend a fun-filled Saturday with Pflugerville’s finest! The annual Bike Rodeo is sponsored by the Pflugerville Police Department and offers the following: Bicycle Registration, Safety Instructions, Riding Instructions and 8 different challenges, Police, Fire and EMS demonstrations all day, Child ID’s, Displays by Central Texas Law Enforcement Agencies, Pflugerville Fire onsite with truck. FREE! Pflugerville High School Parking Lot, 1301 W. Pecan Street.
Party for the Pollinators- Saturday, April 18, noon- 3 p.m. Learn more about the pollinators that bring us many of the foods we rely upon every day! Sample something in each department that wouldn’t be around without these important contributors to the food supply. Kids are invited to plant pollinator-friendly seeds on our patio! FREE! Whole Foods Domain, 11920 Domain Drive.
Earth Day 2015- Saturday, April 18, from noon- 4 p.m. The Sheffield Education Center and The American Chemical Society present: Earth Day 2015. Experience the wonders of chemistry. Explore the nature of carbon dioxide. Experiment with ultra violet light. Use science to create bubbles and slime! Fun for the whole family! The Sheffield Education Center, 2201 Barton Springs Road.
Teddy Bear Check Up (Round Rock)- Saturday, April 18 at 3 or 3:30 p.m. Urgent Care of Round Rock will be providing Teddy Bear Check ups for your child’s teddy bear friends. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal or doll to our special interactive Teddy Urgent Care clinic. There will be a storytime about going to the doctor’s office as well. Teddy bears will get boo-boos bandaged, have their heartbeats listened to, get a wellness check up and then enjoy a teddy bear picnic with blankets and snacks. Kaleidoscope Toys, 110 North IH35, Ste 375, Round Rock.
Drive-In Movie: Big Hero 6 (Round Rock)- 8 p.m. New in Spring 2015 is a series of family-friendly drive-in movies at the former lumber yard at 115 E. Bagdad Avenue, on the third Saturday of the month through August. A 75-foot screen allows optimal viewing. Cost is $5 walk in, $20 per car with a $5 donation to Round Rock Junior Police Academy. Movie snacks are on sale on site.
Sunday Family Crafternoon: The Art of the Letter- 3=6 p.m. From the makers of Slow Family Living and The Austin Tinkering School: It’s the Family Crafternoon! Look at old letters from the early 1900s when the art of the letter was a tool for slow connection near and far. Collage, fold, stamp, draw, write and create your own personalized letters, cards and art-envelopes (artvelopes?) to mail to friends and family across the globe. Fold up s simple origami that makes any piece of paper into its own little package. Then fold up a clever vessel to house all your cards and creations. Make your projects as simple or as intricate as you want to be! For kids and adults alike. Cost: $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family suggested. Fun for all ages! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Austin Tinkering School, 1122 Airport Blvd.
Round Rock Express season opens on Friday, April 17th!
There are lots of ideas and inspiration in our 2015 Austin Bucket List series.
AustinTheatreMama has you covered for both big and little theatre productions.
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